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10 Best Trombones 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

Yamaha YSL-354C Student Trombone - Gold Lacquer

The Yamaha YSL-354C is a student-level trombone designed with young or beginner players in mind. It features a medium bore size of 0.500 inches, which offers an approachable resistance ideal for learning proper breath control and slide technique. The 8-inch yellow brass bell provides a warm tone commonly preferred for band settings, giving a clear and focused sound that helps students blend well in ensembles. The instrument is crafted with a nickel silver inner slide and a yellow brass outer slide, ensuring smooth slide action that helps beginners move between notes more easily without sticking. Its gold lacquer finish not only adds a classic look but also offers some protection against wear.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,416
Bore Size
Bell Size
Material

Most important from
17 reviews

Bore Size
The medium bore and yellow brass bell combine to produce a warm, clear tone ideal for young players in band settings.
Bell Size
The medium bore and yellow brass bell combine to produce a warm, clear tone ideal for young players in band settings.
Material
Its sturdy build and well-maintained condition make it a reliable choice even when purchased secondhand.
Weight
The detachable counterweight enhances balance and comfort, making it manageable for beginners.
Slide Action
The trombone delivers excellent quality, with a smooth slide action that prevents sticking and supports easy note transitions.
#2
10.0 score

Jupiter C Valve Trombone with Rose Brass Bell, JTB720VR

The Jupiter C Valve Trombone JTB720VR is designed for players looking for a quality instrument with specific features that enhance playability and sound. One of its strengths is its rose brass bell, which typically provides a warm, rich tone, making it a great choice for both classical and jazz settings. The .482" bore size is considered suitable for a range of playing styles, offering a nice balance of resistance and smooth airflow. The stainless steel pistons are durable and allow for quick and smooth valve action, which is ideal for beginner to intermediate players who may prioritize ease of use.

#3
9.9 score

Conn Trombone, Rose Brass (88HCGC)

The Conn 88HCGC trombone is designed for professional players, especially those interested in symphonic or solo performances. It features a .547-inch primary bore and a slightly larger .562-inch bore for the F attachment, which helps produce a clear and strong sound. Made from brass with a rose brass finish, it has a warm, rich look that stands out visually. The lightweight chrome-plated nickel silver inner handslide tubes make the slide action smooth and fast, which is important for playing cleanly and quickly.

Rating
9.9
Bore Size
Bell Size
Material

Most important from
2 reviews

Bore Size
Switching to a larger bore requires significant practice and breath control, but it ultimately expands range and enriches tone, especially in the low and high registers.
Bell Size
Care should be taken with the bell as the rose brass material is prone to dents despite its beauty.
Material
Care should be taken with the bell as the rose brass material is prone to dents despite its beauty.
Finish
The instrument's rose brass finish not only looks stunning but draws admiration from fellow musicians and instructors alike.
Weight
While the trombone is heavier than beginner models, its balance makes it manageable even for players with less upper body strength.
Slide Action
Its F attachment is notably free and open, allowing smooth slide action without the stuffiness found in some competing models.
Valve Type
Mastering the valves on the bass trombone can be challenging without dedicated instruction, making a specialized teacher essential for progress.

Top 10 Best Trombones 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

Yamaha YSL-354C Student Trombone - Gold Lacquer

Bore Size: 0.500 inches
Bell Size: 8-inch
Material: nickel silver and yellow brass
Finish: gold lacquer
Weight: 12.75 pounds
Slide Action: smooth

Chosen by 1416 this week

Jupiter C Valve Trombone with Rose Brass Bell, JTB720VR

Bore Size: .482"
Material: Stainless Steel, Nickel, Silver, Brass
Finish: Lacquered Brass
Valve Type: Stainless Steel Pistons

Conn Trombone, Rose Brass (88HCGC)

Bore Size: .547-inch primary, .562-inch F attachment
Material: Brass
Finish: Rose Brass
Weight: 18 pounds
Slide Action: Lightweight chrome-plated nickel silver tubes

Bach Trombone, Lacquer (LT16M)

Bore Size: .509 inch
Bell Size: 7-1/2 inch
Material: Yellow brass
Finish: Lacquer
Weight: 20 pounds

Jupiter 530L Deluxe Valve Trombone (Key of C)

Material: Brass, Nickel Silver
Finish: Yellow, Nickel, Silver
Weight: 24.8 pounds
Valve Type: Valve

Jupiter 530S Deluxe Silver Plate Valve Trombone (Key of C)

Material: Stainless Steel, Silver, Brass
Finish: Silver Plate
Weight: 25.6 pounds
Valve Type: Valve Trombone

KING Trombone, lacquer (3B)

Bell Size: 3B Yellow Brass Bell
Material: Brass
Finish: lacquer
Weight: 22 pounds

Bach Trombone, lacquer (190S37)

Bore Size: .459”
Material: Yellow brass
Finish: Lacquer
Weight: 13.72 pounds
Valve Type: Monel pistons

Conn Trombone, Yellow Brass (88HYOCGC)

Bore Size: .547-inch primary, .562-inch F bore
Material: Yellow Brass
Finish: Chrome-plated nickel silver tubes
Weight: 15.5 pounds
Slide Action: Smooth and quick
Valve Type: None beyond F attachment
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Buying Guide for the Best Trombones

Choosing the right trombone can be a rewarding experience, whether you're a beginner or an experienced player. The trombone is a versatile brass instrument used in various music genres, from classical to jazz. To find the best fit for you, it's essential to understand the key specifications and how they align with your playing style, skill level, and musical goals. Here are the main factors to consider when selecting a trombone.
Bore SizeThe bore size refers to the diameter of the trombone's inner tubing. It significantly affects the instrument's sound and playability. Bore sizes are generally categorized into small bore (around 0.500 to 0.525 inches), medium bore (around 0.525 to 0.547 inches), and large bore (around 0.547 inches and above). Small bore trombones are easier to play and produce a brighter sound, making them ideal for beginners and jazz musicians. Medium bore trombones offer a balance between ease of play and sound versatility, suitable for intermediate players. Large bore trombones produce a fuller, richer sound and are preferred by advanced players and those in orchestral settings. Choose a bore size that matches your skill level and the type of music you intend to play.
Bell SizeThe bell size of a trombone affects its sound projection and tone. Bells typically range from 7 to 9 inches in diameter. Smaller bells (around 7 to 8 inches) produce a more focused and brighter sound, which is great for jazz and solo performances. Larger bells (8.5 inches and above) offer a broader, warmer sound, making them suitable for orchestral and concert band settings. Consider the type of music you will be playing and the sound you wish to achieve when selecting the bell size.
MaterialTrombones are commonly made from brass, but the specific type of brass and any additional materials can influence the instrument's sound and durability. Yellow brass (70% copper, 30% zinc) is the most common and provides a balanced tone. Gold brass (85% copper, 15% zinc) offers a warmer sound, while red brass (90% copper, 10% zinc) produces the warmest tone. Some trombones also feature nickel silver components for added strength and corrosion resistance. Choose a material that complements your desired sound and playing environment.
FinishThe finish of a trombone can affect both its appearance and sound. Lacquer finishes are common and provide a warm, mellow tone. Silver-plated finishes are more durable and produce a brighter, more focused sound. The choice of finish is often a matter of personal preference, but it's worth considering how it might influence the instrument's tone and maintenance requirements.
WeightThe weight of a trombone can impact your comfort and endurance while playing. Heavier trombones may offer a richer sound but can be more challenging to hold and maneuver, especially for younger or less experienced players. Lighter trombones are easier to handle and are often preferred by beginners and those who need to play for extended periods. Consider your physical strength and playing needs when evaluating the weight of a trombone.
Slide ActionThe slide action refers to how smoothly the trombone's slide moves. A smooth, well-lubricated slide is crucial for accurate and effortless playing. High-quality trombones typically have better slide action, but regular maintenance and proper lubrication are also essential. When trying out a trombone, ensure the slide moves freely without sticking or resistance, as this will greatly affect your playing experience.
Valve TypeSome trombones, particularly those used in orchestral settings, come with an F-attachment or valve. This additional tubing allows the player to reach lower notes more easily and provides alternative slide positions. There are two main types of valves: traditional rotary valves and Thayer (axial flow) valves. Rotary valves are more common and reliable, while Thayer valves offer a more open, free-blowing feel. Consider whether you need a valve based on the music you play and your technical requirements.

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